| Abstract Detail
Education and Outreach Budsberg, Erik [1], O'Quinn, Robin [2], Bastow, Justin [3], Merg, Kurt [4]. Eastern Washington University Palouse Prairie Region Restoration. Eastern Washington University (EWU), a regional, comprehensive institution with a total enrollment of ~13,000 students, located in Cheney, WA, has embarked upon a project to restore 155 acres of campus farmland to native Palouse Prairie with the goals of 1) restoring an endangered natural ecosystem, 2) sequestering carbon, 3) promoting sustainable practices, 4) creating a campus green space, and 5) engaging campus and Inland Northwest communities in environmental education and stewardship. Since its inception, community and campus stakeholders have been active partners in all developmental phases of the project. Using a cross-curricular and multi-community collaboration, stakeholders envision the project as a living laboratory for the development of short and long-term research projects, as well as hands on learning opportunities for all ages. A network of multi-use trails will invite users to explore the landscape and connect with the bioregion. Historical, cultural and science based information kiosks will inform visitors about the region’s natural and cultural heritage, as well as in-progress research projects. EWU’s Palouse Prairie Region restoration project is a multi-year commitment. The EWU Office of Sustainability is charged with project management and is working to coordinate activities and facilitate engagement across academic, operational, administrative, and community boundaries. We are currently in the initial stages of project design and baseline data collection. Site development and our first round of native grasses and annual forbs plantings are scheduled for fall of 2019. Upon completion this project will serve as a regional example for how educational institutions can promote science, sustainability, outdoor recreation, environmental exploration, education, community engagement and sound ecological stewardship through restoration practices. We present this project to promote dialogue with our peers on how best to accomplish our mission. Log in to add this item to your schedule
Related Links: Palouse Prairie Restoration
1 - Eastern Washington University, Office of Sustainability, 105 Central Services , Cheney, WA, 99004, USA 2 - Eastern Washington University, Biology, 526 5th Street, 258 Science Bldg., Cheney, WA, 99004, United States 3 - Eastern Washington University, Biology, 526 5th Street, 258 Science Bldg., Cheney, WA, 99004, USA 4 - Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA, USA
Keywords: Palouse Praire Outreach restoration Science education.
Presentation Type: Poster Session: P, Education and Outreach Poster Section Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018 Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm. Number: PEO010 Abstract ID:903 Candidate for Awards:None |